The World Heritage–listed fortress wall that encloses the original town of Suwon is what brings most travellers to the city. Snaking up and down Paldal…
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Suwon
A popular day trip out of Seoul, sprawling Suwon (수원) is the largest city in Gyeonggi-do province, with World Heritage–listed fortifications still looping around its heart. Suwon almost became the country's capital in the 18th century, when Joseon dynasty ruler King Jeongjo built the 3.5-mile-long walls (5.7km) in 1794–96 ahead of moving the royal court south. However, the king died, power remained in Seoul, and Suwon ended up with one hell of a tourist sight. The city is located around 18.5 miles (30km) south of Seoul.
Explore Suwon
- Hwaseong
The World Heritage–listed fortress wall that encloses the original town of Suwon is what brings most travellers to the city. Snaking up and down Paldal…
- KKorean Folk Village
This 245-acre themed experience is designed to transport you back to the Joseon dynasty as you wander through picturesque grounds filled with thatched and…
- MMr Toilet House
A contender for Korea's wackiest museum, Mr Toilet House is the former residence of Suwon's mayor, the late Sim Jae-duck. Appropriately designed like a…
- NNam June Paik Art Centre
This gallery features the pioneering new-media work of internationally acclaimed avant-garde artist Nam June Paik (1932–2006). It's not far from Korean…
- Hwaseong Haenggung
Sitting at the base of Paldal-san (143m), King Jeongjo’s palace was built in the late 18th century as a residence for when he visited to worship at his…
- SSuwon Hwaseong Museum
Head to this modern museum to find out how detailed court records from 1801 were vital to ensure authenticity in the 1970s reconstruction process of Suwon…
- GGyeonggi Provincial Museum
This well-curated museum features cultural relics from around the province. A stop here is worth tacking on if you're visiting the Nam June Paik Art…
- IIPark Museum of Art
This contemporary-styled museum on the plaza in front of Hwaseong Haenggung hosts a variety of art-related exhibitions across its five galleries.
- AAlternative Art Space Noon
This vibrant little gallery exhibits local artists in a converted '70s home within Haenggung-dong Mural Village.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Suwon.
See
Hwaseong
The World Heritage–listed fortress wall that encloses the original town of Suwon is what brings most travellers to the city. Snaking up and down Paldal…
See
Korean Folk Village
This 245-acre themed experience is designed to transport you back to the Joseon dynasty as you wander through picturesque grounds filled with thatched and…
See
Mr Toilet House
A contender for Korea's wackiest museum, Mr Toilet House is the former residence of Suwon's mayor, the late Sim Jae-duck. Appropriately designed like a…
See
Nam June Paik Art Centre
This gallery features the pioneering new-media work of internationally acclaimed avant-garde artist Nam June Paik (1932–2006). It's not far from Korean…
See
Hwaseong Haenggung
Sitting at the base of Paldal-san (143m), King Jeongjo’s palace was built in the late 18th century as a residence for when he visited to worship at his…
See
Suwon Hwaseong Museum
Head to this modern museum to find out how detailed court records from 1801 were vital to ensure authenticity in the 1970s reconstruction process of Suwon…
See
Gyeonggi Provincial Museum
This well-curated museum features cultural relics from around the province. A stop here is worth tacking on if you're visiting the Nam June Paik Art…
See
IPark Museum of Art
This contemporary-styled museum on the plaza in front of Hwaseong Haenggung hosts a variety of art-related exhibitions across its five galleries.
See
Alternative Art Space Noon
This vibrant little gallery exhibits local artists in a converted '70s home within Haenggung-dong Mural Village.
Featured videos
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Guidebooks
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